Almost
40 Kellogg School alumni club leaders from around the world
gathered in Evanston in January for a weekend of leadership
education, brainstorming and fun. Through presentations, group
discussions and interactive sessions, the participants learned
about the latest Kellogg initiatives in career resources,
marketing and communications, development and the online Kellogg
Alumni Network, which is scheduled to go live later this year.
Club leaders also learned some of the best practices used
by their peers to create value, and gained tips on how to
build their own clubs, plan events, generate publicity and
support, and partner with the Kellogg School.

“It
was a lively breakfast with topics ranging from our curriculum
changes to the promotion of the Kellogg brand overseas. It’s
always extremely valuable to learn what our alums are thinking
about and working on,” said Dean Besanko.

Dean Jain
noted the value that a thriving alumni network brings to all
Kellogg graduates, and how this community also creates additional
opportunities for current Kellogg students.

“The
Kellogg School has always encouraged team leadership and dynamic
interaction, and we are proud to continue building partnerships
with our alumni,” said Dean Jain. “Working together,
we will ensure that Kellogg remains in the top ranks.”

Staff
were on hand with laptops to show club leaders how to benefit
most from the available online services. Participants also
enjoyed a variety of social events during the weekend, including
the European Business Club’s “Europarty”
at the Chicago Hilton.

Club leaders
expressed excitement about the work and initiatives under
way at Kellogg. Karyn McCoy, associate director of alumni
relations, helped plan this initiative. She noted the importance
of the alumni clubs. “The clubs are a vehicle through
which we can communicate with alumni, provide opportunities
for lifelong learning and networking, and encourage support
for the school and its initiatives,” said McCoy.